Shanaka’s Record Ton Leads Patriots to Huge CPL Victory

Dasun Shanaka produced a stunning batting display, smashing the fastest century in Caribbean Premier League history as St Kitts and Nevis Patriots defeated St Lucia Kings by 137 runs in Basseterre.

Batting first, the Patriots posted a massive 235 for 4, with Shanaka remaining unbeaten on 121 from just 43 balls. He arrived at the crease in the 10th over with the Patriots on 89 for 2 but transformed the innings with an extraordinary late assault.

Shanaka reached his century in only 39 balls, breaking the CPL record for the fastest hundred. His innings featured eight fours and 12 sixes, with the Sri Lankan allrounder particularly destructive during the final stages. He and Wanindu Hasaranga added 93 runs from just 31 balls, helping the Patriots score 93 runs in the final five overs.

Andre Fletcher also played a major role, scoring a quick 64 from 38 balls. His aggressive start helped the Patriots build momentum before Shanaka took complete control of the innings.

The Kings' chase, however, quickly fell apart. They lost Kamil Pooran for a duck in the opening over before Wanindu Hasaranga struck twice to reduce them to 55 for 4.

Tim Seifert offered some resistance with a 36-ball 50, but he received little support from the rest of the batting lineup. Jeremiah Louis then finished off the innings in spectacular fashion, taking five wickets for just 10 runs. It was his maiden five-wicket haul in T20 cricket, achieved in only his 10th T20 appearance.

St Lucia Kings were eventually bowled out for just 98, giving the Patriots their biggest-ever win by runs.

The victory was particularly important for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots' playoff hopes. The two points kept them in fifth place and significantly improved their net run rate from -0.547 to 0.593. Despite remaining fifth, the Patriots are now firmly in contention for a place in the playoffs.

For the Kings, the heavy defeat damaged their net run rate, which dropped to -0.888, making their position more vulnerable despite still sitting one point ahead of the Patriots in the standings.